THE
Publication of the State Employees Association of North Carolina • November 2009 • Vol. 28 No. 1 • Circulation 55,000
26th Annual SEANC Convention Celebrates “Growth Through Unity” Pres. Tony Smith re-elected, $1 active member dues increase passed By Toni Davis
PHOTO BY ERICA BALDWIN
Bruce Jones, a District 67 delegate, summed up the convention to News 14 Carolina on Sept. 12, “It’s just everybody coming together as a team...I’m just proud to be a state employee.”
The 2009-2010 SEANC officers celebrate their induction on Sept. 12. Pictured, left to right, are President Tony Smith, First Vice President Pat Reighard, Second Vice President Charles Johnson, Treasurer Cheryl Moon and Past President Linda Rouse Sutton.
GR EEN SBO R O – Approximately 850 SEANC delegates celebrated a year of advocacy and membership at the Koury Convention Center on Sept. 10-12. During the “Growth Through Unity” convention, delegates conducted important association business including electing SEANC officers, ranking 2010 Policy Platform Objectives, voting on bylaws amendments, participating in training sessions and donating blood to help the American Red Cross.
Officers Elected For the second year in a row, SEANC had three candidates run for a single office. Last year, it was the treasurer’s race and this year it was the second vice president’s post that generated the most interest. After a run-off for second vice president on Sept. 12, the elections were completed and the following officers were installed for the 2009-2010 year: • President Tony Smith of Morganton (re-elected) • First Vice President Pat Reighard, Ph.D., of Blowing Rock (re-elected) • Second Vice President Charles Johnson of Raleigh • Treasurer Cheryl Moon of Knightdale (re-elected) Upon his re-election President Tony Smith said, “By working together, I know that we can do great things.” SEANC officer terms began on Oct. 1 and expire on Sept. 30, 2010.
Dues Increase In 2006, after no dues increase for eight years, SEANC required a $5 dues increase to cover member services and to replenish its reserves. It was decided that the best way to spread out the $5 increase was over a four-year period ($2+$1+$1+$1) with convention delegates voting each year on the dollar. This year convention delegates voted in favor of the final dollar from the 2006 dues increase proposal. The $1 dues increase impacts active employees only and will take effect on Jan. 1, 2010 (reflected in December pay checks).
Welcome Governor Gov. Bev Perdue, an EMPAC-endorsed SEANC member, was warmly greeted by convention delegates who listened to her straight-talk on the state’s record $4.7 billion shortfall and its impact on the state workforce – specifically her action to furlough state employees for 10 hours in exchange for time off. “I didn’t do that lightly, but I did it rather than fire 4, 5, 6,000 state employees,” she said. “I thought it was the right thing to do.” tdavis@seanc.org
State Budget – SEANC Protects Services In Tough Economy By Suzanne Beasley Malysz, SEANC Lobbyist With states across the nation slashing jobs and cutting public services, and North Carolina’s own $4.7 billion budget shortfall, SEANC’s legislative team worked tirelessly to fight back bills aimed at eroding public services this session. The budget, signed into law Aug. 7, and other legislative actions included: • No mandatory furloughs for 2009-2010 SEANC fought several furlough bills, including House Bill 708 that called for 20 furlough days per year which would have resulted in an 8 percent pay cut. Talk of a furlough bill allowing 50 days over 26 months never saw the light of day. Twenty-two states around the country ordered mandatory furloughs for state employees. • No across-the-board pay cuts and longevity pay maintained Senate Democrats considered a pay cut of 5
percent for all state employees in a closeddoor caucus meeting. SEANC’s friends in the Senate stood strong in opposition to any across-the-board pay cuts. • Employee protections maintained SEANC fended off attacks on employee rights, including Senate Bill 800, which attempted to put Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) employees on leave without pay during investigations. SEANC was also victorious in blocking an attempt to remove some employees from the protections of the State Personnel Act. • Retirement system funded The state pension fund received $29 million to keep it funded near 100 percent. Like active state employees, retirees will not receive a cost-of-living adjustment this year.
• State Health Plan changes Senate Bill 287, which cut State Health Plan benefits and increased out-of-pocket expenses an average of $600 per SHP member, passed in the House by only four votes. SEANC fought valiantly and was the only membership group to stand ground in opposition. • Approximately 700 state jobs cut While the job losses are serious, far more drastic cuts in excess of 2,000 positions were originally proposed by the legislature. SEANC was successful in getting many programs restored. For more information, you may view SEANC’s Legislative Updates at www. seanc.org. sbeasley@seanc.org
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SEANC and SEIU Examine Blue Cross Contract SEANC Explores Options for State Health Plan Oversight by Erica Baldwin
As SEANC seeks affordable health care for the state’s working families, one cost-cutting option remains largely untouched: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s administrative contract with the State Health Plan (SHP). “The lack of transparency with the sweetheart, no-bid Blue Cross contract is infuriating, especially when employees are asked to make sacrifices, while Blue Cross remains the sacred cow,” said SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope.
BCBS Contract Review In April, Blue Cross’ CEO Bob Greczyn told the North Carolina House Insurance Committee that the insurer only made $478,000 from its administration of the SHP. To delve into the matter, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) hired a legal team to review the partial details of the “cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost” contract (or administrative services agreement) that were released earlier this year. The team’s findings include a provision in the contract where Blue Cross received 5 percent of the difference between the billed charges and its negotiated provider charges. For example, a negotiated rate of $75 for a doctor’s visit may be half of the original
$150 billed rate. This means Blue Cross would get 5 percent of the difference, or $3.75 for each visit. The administrative expenses are also subject to an annual cost-of-living increase plus 4 percentage points – meaning Blue Cross gets a cost-of-living increase, even when state employees do not and incur additional cost increases for co-pays, deductibles and dependent coverage. The legal review states the cost-plus contract appears to be an “extremely favorable” arrangement for Blue Cross, leaving the SHP with little control. In essence, the cost-plus contract may shield profits that are going toward other Blue Cross expenses other than SHP administration costs.
SEANC Explores Health Trust In the Top 10 Policy Platform Objectives, SEANC delegates voted to seek legislation to remove oversight of the SHP from the House and Senate majority leaders to a government agency. To that end, SEANC and SEIU are examining other state plans, specifically the Pennsylvania State Health Trust, as a possible model for restructuring North Carolina’s SHP. The trust is a separate organization, not part of the state or the legislature. The Pennsylvania State Health Trust has
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its own staff and is answerable only to its board of trustees. Members of the board would
“The lack of transparency with the sweetheart, no-bid Blue Cross contract is infuriating.” –DANA COPE, SEANC Executive Director
include employee representatives. The trust has administrative and oversight roles, including plan design, eligibility criteria, rates and negotiation of third-party contracts. The advantages of a trust in North Carolina include taking the political influence out of the State Health Plan and giving state employees a meaningful role in managing the plan that affects their families. As the legislative session approaches in May, SEANC will continue exploring options and working with allies to make the SHP more affordable and efficient. ebaldwin@seanc.org
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Never a Better Time to Quit Tobacco
PHOTO BY tony bode
By Ann Staples, DHHS N.C. Tobacco Prevention and Control, SEANC District 12
SEANC Joins Health Care Tour On Sept. 4, Executive Director Dana Cope delivered 3,000 signatures in support of health insurance reform, telling the crowds at the Organizing for America rallies in Raleigh and Charlotte, “The reason why we need a public option is there’s no serious competition with insurance companies.”
State Health Plan “Wellness” Push Punishes Employees Without Proven Cost Savings by Erica Baldwin
With the passage of Senate Bill 287 this spring, State Health Plan (SHP) members saw their costs increase by $600 in co-pays and deductibles, while their benefits eroded, including the loss of routine eye exam coverage and the 90/10 preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. Another “cost-saving” measure pushed through was the Comprehensive Wellness Initiative, which will move non-Medicare plan members who use tobacco products or are obese into the 70/30 option. Plan Administrator Jack Walker, however, admitted the projected savings of the wellness plan is unknown. “We think, I have my fingers crossed, we think with those programs, we will save money, but we didn’t put it in the budget,” Walker told the legislative Select Committee on Employee Hospital and Medical Benefits on Sept. 16. However, what is a known dollar amount is the additional $10 million the SHP will pay for administration of the wellness initiative. “Public employees are getting short-changed once again,” said SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope. “Employees are digging deeper into their pockets, while Blue Cross earns even more money to administer a plan that may not cut costs.”
Wellness Initiative Invades Privacy All SHP members will be moved to the 70/30 plan unless they sign a form each year, stating they and their covered dependents do not use tobacco products, are participating in a tobacco cessation program and/or have a BMI of less than 40. If members or dependents use tobacco products as of July 1, 2010, they will stay in the 70/30 plan. If members or dependents have a BMI of 40 or higher as of July 1, 2011, they will remain in the 70/30 plan. In 2012, the BMI threshold will be 35. (A BMI chart is available online at www.shpnc.org.) SEANC supports encouraging healthy lifestyles, but believes it should be done through incentives, not punitive measures. For example, SHP members can receive free nicotine replacement therapy through the N.C. Tobacco Use Quitline through Jan. 1, 2010 (see article at right).
Another downside of the wellness plan is that it subjects employees and dependents to random testing for nicotine or BMI tests at the workplace. SEANC believes these initiatives are discriminatory and an invasion of privacy. In fact, a Raleigh News & Observer editorial and SEANC’s partners at the N.C. Health Access Coalition agreed, calling these measures “shockingly invasive, punitive and poorly designed.” According to the N.C. Health Access Coalition, only one other state – Indiana – conducts similar testing. “If they’re going to hold us accountable, pay for a gym membership or part of a membership. Give us an incentive, a way to combat it,” SEANC District 10 member Kim Martin told The Charlotte Observer.
With policy changes in the works, and more help available than ever before, there has never been a better time for SEANC members to quit tobacco than during the 2009 Great American Smokeout on Nov. 19. Originated by the American Cancer Society, the Smokeout is a chance for any tobacco user to try to stay tobacco-free for 24 hours, or to begin working toward quitting for good.
“The free, confidential N.C. Tobacco Use Cessation Quitline can help...and can more than double your chances of being successful.” –Sally Herndon Malek N.C. Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch
Even with the infusion of $250 million from the state’s rainy day fund and increased expenses for employees, it looks like the plan will face a $54 million loss. During the Sept. 16 legislative committee meeting, plan officials announced that an auditing firm will be hired this fall to evaluate the plan’s operating efficiency. The audit should be ready by the May 2010 legislative session. Yet again, this audit does not appear to include a cost evaluation of the plan’s administrator Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. For years, SEANC has been calling for an independent audit of the health plan and Blue Cross. The state auditor released a report this year, stating that Blue Cross’ “cost-plus” contract was bad for the state and that the lack of cost data from Blue Cross caused the health plan’s financial troubles last year because projections were way off. SEANC will continue to seek transparency with the Blue Cross contract and will urge lawmakers to move oversight of the SHP from the legislative to the executive branch.
SEANC is participating this year in an effort coordinated by the Chronic Disease and Injury Section of the N.C. Division of Public Health. The effort was prompted by the new State Health Plan (SHP) smoking policy which, starting July 1, 2010, will restrict smoking members and their dependents to the Basic 70/30 health plan instead of the Standard 80/20 plan, unless they are making an effort to quit. Many smokers are also feeling the pinch from the federal cigarette tax, which increased to $1.01 in March. The state also added an additional 10-centper-pack tax in September. And in January 2010, all North Carolina restaurants, bars and many lodging facilities will go smoke-free under a law passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Bev Perdue in May. “There’s never been a better time to quit smoking,” said Sally Herndon Malek, head of the N.C. Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch. “The Smokeout is a great time to learn more about your addiction by making an effort to stay tobacco-free for the day. The free, confidential N.C. Tobacco Use Cessation Quitline can help, too, and can more than double your chances of being successful.” The Quitline, which has proven effective in helping people quit, is available seven days a week, 8 a.m. until 3 a.m., at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800784-8669). The SHP will provide free nicotine replacement therapy over-the-counter patches for those who get a prescription from their doctor and then call the Quitline. The Quitline is funded by the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund. “Quit Coaches are friendly and non-judgmental,” Malek said. “Well over 90 percent of our callers are happy with the services the Quitline provides.” On Nov. 19, the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch will offer some brief webinars for SEANC members and others who would like information on resources available to help quit tobacco. Webinar information will be posted by Nov. 1 at www. tobaccopreventionandcontrol.ncdhhs.gov.
ebaldwin@seanc.org
Ann.staples@dhhs.nc.gov
SHP Audit Avoids BCBS Details
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SEANC Health Care Town Hall Meetings Draw Crowds and Congressmen
PHOTO BY TONY BOOE
In August and September, SEANC joined the nationwide discussion on health care reform, hosting 11 town hall meetings across the state. More than 2,500 people, led by SEANC members, attended the forums. “I’m a 30-year plus employee of the state of North Carolina and I cannot afford the [dependent] insurance premiums,” SEANC District 22 member Amanda Carpenter told ABC 11 news after the Lillington town hall on Aug. 12. SEANC has become a top advocate for health insurance reform, as convention delegates chose to “support federal and state legislation to provide access to quality and affordable health care for all U.S. citizens” as part of SEANC’s Top 10 Policy Platform Objectives for the past several years. “The State Employees Association has done us a tremendous service by organizing forums across this state so that health insurance reform and the quality of our health care can be matters of focus for our citizens,” Rep. David Price told the Durham crowd on Aug. 13. In addition to Price, Rep. Bob Etheridge served as a panelist during one of SEANC’s health care forums. “We want to send a strong message that health care shouldn’t be something that only people with money can afford,” said SEANC Executive
PHOTO BY TONY BOOE
by Erica Baldwin
U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, left, talks to attendees of the Lillington town hall meeting on Aug. 12. On Aug. 13, U.S. Rep. David Price, right, meets SEANC Member Organizer and Treasurer Cheryl Moon of District 43.
Director Dana Cope. With more than 1,000 people, Durham was the best-attended town hall meeting. SEANC’s other events were held in Greenville, Kinston, Lillington, Colfax, Morganton, Raleigh, Burgaw,
Why SEANC Supports Health Insurance Reform with a Public Option • SEANC’s top legislative priority is to “seek continuation of a fully paid health care benefit for qualified active and retired state employees.” State Health Plan (SHP) benefits cannot be maintained nor improved while health care costs are growing five times faster than wages. • SEANC delegates voted to include national health insurance reform in the Top 10 Policy Platform Objectives. • A public option would: ✔ Minimize cost-shifting from those without insurance (who use emergency services with costs that are shifted to the insured). ✔ Pay $1,200 annually to the State Health Plan for each non-Medicare eligible retiree, helping to subsidize state funding to protect State Health Plan benefits. enefit Medicare retirees by eliminating co-pays and deductibles for preventative care, maintaining current ✔B benefit levels, extending solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund, eliminating the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole” and allowing the government to negotiate prescription drug rates. ✔ E stablish minimum benefit standards, which the SHP and others would have to meet. aintain SHP benefit levels. ✔M rovide competition to private insurance company monopolies, ✔P like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C.’s 72.5% market share. ✔ F orce private insurance companies to offer more competitive health insurance by reducing excessive administrative costs.
“In the past five years, I have forgone doctor’s visits and medicine due to [high] deductibles and co-pays.” Susan S., Raleigh
revent insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions, which drive up the costs of ✔P the SHP by forcing people with pre-existing, chronic medical conditions to seek state employment solely for the health plan benefits. educe over-use of hospital emergency rooms, which cost an average of $1,000 per visit versus less than $100 ✔R for urgent care facilities.
Butner and Clyde. As of press time, Congress had not voted on a health insurance reform package. ebaldwin@seanc.org THE
Toni Davis, Editor-In-Chief Erica Baldwin, Managing Editor Mary Adelaide Bell Associate Editor, Advertising Manager Amber Ernst, Associate Editor Jessica Adams, Communications Intern
State Employees Association of North Carolina P.O. Drawer 27727 • Raleigh, NC 27611 1621 Midtown Place • Raleigh, NC 27609 Telephone 919-833-6436, 800-222-2758 www.seanc.org Advertising Policy SEANC accepts advertising material from companies and persons seeking to communicate with SEANC members. Acceptance of this advertising does not indicate SEANC approval or endorsement of any representation that the message, product or service is as represented by the advertiser. SEANC accepts no responsibility and shall not be liable for any use of or reliance on any such information, product or service. SEANC is a private entity and is under no obligation to carry advertisements of any nature, political or otherwise, that may be viewed as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership.
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Quotes to Note
“If you want to see a successful wellness initiative, it would need to be something with a positive as an incentive, some carrot measure instead of just a stick. (Health coverage) isn’t a gift from the taxpayer to the state employee. This is something the state employees are earning as a benefit of their employment.” SEANC Legislative Affairs Director Ardis Watkins in the Sept. 17 WRAL news story, “Health plan to begin checking state workers for smoking, obesity.”
“There are 1.8 million North Carolinians that are uninsured, and although state employees, we have state health insurance, our dependents and our spouses often do not because of the high costs associated from the State Health Plan.” SEANC Communications Director Toni Davis in the Sept. 12 News 14 story “Perdue says she’s working hard for state employees.” “To us it just makes common sense to change a system that lines the pockets of insurance company executives while ordinary people don’t have health insurance.” SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope in the Dunn Daily Record’s Aug. 13 article “Meeting heated, but not out of control.” “Blue Cross also has an exclusive deal administering the N.C. State Health Plan for teachers and state employees. Greczyn talked about the pressure on insurers to keep costs down, but when it came to the State Health Plan this year, taxpayers and the state’s public servants were the ones asked to sacrifice. State employees and teachers incurred $600 in additional costs, and $250 million came from the state’s rainy day fund to pay the bills, but Blue Cross and Blue Shield sacrificed nothing.” SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope in The News & Observer Sept. 25 letter to the editor “No sacrifice.” “The lack of health insurance adds more than $1,000 annually to the health care costs for individuals. So we’re paying for the people going to the hospital on Saturday night because there’s no health care facilities available to them. One way or the other, we as citizens pay for it, whether it’s through higher health care premiums or some other way.” SEANC District 5 member Joe Brown at the Macon County’s Democratic Party forum on Aug. 17, reported in The Franklin Press’ Aug. 21 article “Health care forum draws crowd.”
“We want employees to get healthier, but we want that done with incentives, not punishments.” SEANC Assistant Communications Director Erica Baldwin in The Associated Press’s Sept. 20 story “NC employee health insurance plan wants cost cuts.” “If you want to see a successful wellness initiative, it would need to be something with a positive as an incentive, some carrot measure instead of just a stick. (Health coverage) isn’t a gift from the taxpayer to the state employee. This is something the state employees are earning as a benefit of their employment.” SEANC Legislative Affairs Director Ardis Watkins in the Sept. 17 WRAL news story “Health plan to begin checking state workers for smoking, obesity.” “Bernie Madoff is getting health care from the state of North Carolina in our prison system, so why don’t the people who go to work every day have that same right?” North Carolinians for Affordable Health Care Director Chuck Stone in the Dunn Daily Record’s Aug. 13 article “Meeting heated, but not out of control.” “It doesn’t matter if it’s in the middle of a snow storm or a hurricane, you find state employees on the front lines for the people of North Carolina. This is a team, a family, and we think that we have the best state workforce in America.” Gov. Bev Perdue in the Sept. 12 News 14 story “Perdue says she’s working hard for state employees.” “We want to partner with her to help the state of North Carolina recover.” SEANC District 46 member Christopher Allen, a retired Department of Revenue employee, after hearing Perdue talk, in The News & Record’s Sept. 13 story “NC workers heap praise on governor.”
Want to see more SEANC in the News? Check out www.seanc.org under “News.”
6 SEANC convention • Sept. 10-12, 2009 Convention Delegates Adopt Three Bylaws Amendments
SEANC Gives Blood – Saves Lives
During the 26th Annual SEANC Convention, convention delegates adopted the following bylaws amendments: • Allow the State Executive Committee to meet via teleconferencing. (Article IV, Section 4) • Change the method of conducting a runoff election by dropping from the ballot the candidate(s) who receive the lowest number of votes. As a result, the two candidates who garner the highest number of votes without either receiving a majority will be subject to a run-off election. If one of the two candidates elects to withdraw before the run-off election, then the other would be elected. (Article VII, Section 1.8) • Require the State Bylaws Committee to announce the total votes received by each candidate seeking office to the delegates at convention, instead of the request having to be made by the candidate. (Article VII, Section 1.9) All bylaws amendments were effective on Oct. 1, 2009. The bylaws can be viewed on the SEANC Web site at www.seanc.org under “About SEANC.”
Greensboro – On Sept. 10, delegates at the 26th Annual SEANC Convention p art n ered wi t h t h e American Red Cross for the association’s statewide annual community service project by donating blood or purchasing a “What Color Do You Bleed?” T-shirt to help raise money for the charity. “It’s been a tough year, and since state employees have been asked to give so much already, I figured J.C. Boykin of District 39 multitasks by giving blood, talking on his cell phone and the only thing we had left supporting the Wolfpack during the community service project at convention. to give was our blood – so we are!” SEANC President Tony Smith told convention delegates. A limited number of “I Bleed SEANC Blue” More than 287 lives across the state of North T-shirts are available for purchase in the SEANC Carolina will be saved due to the generosity of the store. Call 800-222-2758 to order one today. delegate donors. Blood and blood products donated Thank you to all delegates who donated blood or during this year’s community service project will go purchased a shirt! SEANC encourages all members to benefit more than 100 hospitals across the state to take an hour out of their day and visit a Red Cross served by the American Red Cross of the Carolinas. blood donation center to share the gift of life with T-shirt sales garnered more than $6,000 toward other North Carolinians. disaster assistance relief for the American Red Cross aernst@seanc.org of the Carolinas.
EMPAC’s Million Dollar Mission 276, 68, 32 and 11 aren’t just numbers – they represent SEANC’s Employees Political Action Committee’s rankings in the past four election cycles. Currently ranked 11th in the state, EMPAC has an ambitious goal to be the number-one PAC in the state by 2012. To reach the number-one slot, EMPAC Chairman Mark Dearmon launched EMPAC’s Million Dollar Mission campaign on Sept. 12 before SEANC’s convention delegates. “The goal is to have our payroll deduction percentage to 25 percent ($600,000) by the 2010 election and 40 percent ($1 million) by the 2012 election,” said Dearmon.
PHOTO BY erica baldwin
By Amber Ernst
SEANC’s 2010 Top 10 Policy Platform Objectives (As determined by the 2009 Annual SEANC Convention)
eek continuation of a fully paid individual health care benefit for active qualified employees 1S and retired employees.
2S eek restoration of the employer’s contribution to the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System to at least match the employee contribution of 6 percent. 3R equest that the General Assembly fund the employee compensation plan prior to considering other appropriations.
PHOTO BY erica baldwin
4S EANC will support federal and state legislation to provide access to quality and affordable health care for all United States citizens based on principles similar to those established by the North Carolina Health Access Coalition.
Brown Wins Truck Raffle
Steve Brown, left, of District 45 poses with George Theissen of District 39, vice chairman of the SEANC Scholarship Foundation Board, in front of his brand-new 2009 Ford Ranger. Brown won the truck through the Scholarship Foundation Board’s annual truck raffle. Thiessen sold the ticket to Brown at convention. Joyce Bell of District 63 won $200 as the second-place winner of the raffle, and Patrick Roberts was the third-place winner, receiving $100.
5O ppose legislation that would remove state employees from under the protections of the State Personnel Act through the Office of State Personnel. 6S EANC endorses the repeal of G.S. § 95-98 and supports the enactment of legislation to govern collective bargaining by North Carolina public employees; further SEANC will seek to amend G.S. § 143-3.3(g) and G.S. § 135-18.8 to delete language that voids dues deduction from payroll or from a retirement benefit if an employees’ or retirees’ association engages in collective bargaining. 7P ropose legislation to consider SPA employees for equal percentage pay increases as teachers, EPA employees, and faculty employees. 8S eek an increase in the retirement accrual rate to 2.0 to provide employees with 60 percent of their final compensation upon retirement. 9S eek legislation to remove oversight of the State Health Plan from under the auspices of the Majority Leaders of the Senate and House to a government agency. 10 S EANC will oppose privatization and downsizing of state government services.
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Photo by Erica Baldwin
photo by Erica Baldwin
Photo by Toni Davis
Photo by Toni Davis
SEANC convention • Sept. 10-12, 2009
Darrell Arnold Awards
The Darrell Arnold Awards are presented to SEANC staff members by the president for dedicated service to the association. This year’s honorees are Member Action Coordinator Benny Brigman, left, Lobbyist Suzanne Beasley Malysz, center, and Communications Specialist Mary Adelaide Bell, right.
Membership Award
Congratulations to Districts 27, 57 and 62 for winning the Membership Award for Highest Percentage Increase! Pictured, left to right, are District 57 Chairwoman Daisy Stancill, District 27 Chairwoman Gracie LeSane and District 62 Chairman Robert Barnhill.
The following members recruited 50+ new members:
Shirley Perry – District 59 Alfred Johnson – District 21
Bonita Henderson – District 64 Bill Boyle – District 67
Member of the Year
Karen Davis of District 44 was named SEANC Member of the Year. Davis has served her district as chairwoman, vice chairwoman and on many committees. She has also been active in fundraising and membership recruitment events. On the state level, Davis has served as secretary to the president, and she is a MAT member.
Flint Benson of District 22 received the Distinguished Service award for his involvement and service to SEANC. On the state level, Benson has served as chairman of the Insurance Board of Trustees and the State Bylaws committee, Piedmont Regional Representative to the Executive Committee, first vice president and president. Benson has also served as chairman, vice chairman, EMPAC chairman and chairman of the Bylaws, Fundraising and Insurance committees for his district. He also served as a SEANC Member Organizer this year.
Button Contest Winner
JoEllen Teel of District 65 Membership Button Contest button design, Ask Me What For You! Every convention received a button.
won the with her I Can Do delegate
District Chairperson of the Year
Photo by Erica Baldwin
Tammi Blake of District 20 was recognized as District Chairperson of the Year. Blake is extremely effective in utilizing all available communication tools to make sure her district members are knowledgeable on local and legislative issues. She’s also been heavily involved in SEANC trainings and rallies, in addition to having regular contact with her legislative representatives.
Photo by Erica Baldwin
Photo by Erica Baldwin
PhotoS by Toni Davis
Districts of the Year
District of the Year awards are based on outstanding involvement from district members in advancing the goals of the association throughout the year. The categories are divided based on district size. District 7 Chairman Scott McMahan accepts the award for Category A (1,000 members or less). District 65 Chairman Del Kingsland accepts the award for Category B (1,001-1,500 members).
Photo by Erica Baldwin
Rep. Nelson Dollar (R-Wake), left, accepts the Lisa Mitchell Legislator of the Year award from EMPAC Chairman Mark Dearmon for his continued support of state employees and retirees during an economically difficult year. The award is named in honor of a former EMPAC and District 27 member who lost her battle with cancer last year.
Photo by Erica Baldwin
EMPAC Lisa Mitchell Legislator of the Year
Photo by Toni Davis
Photo by Erica Baldwin
Distinguished Service
Member Discount Awards
Congratulations to District 40 (not pictured) for winning the Member Discount District of the Year award! The top Member Discount individual business recruiters in each region were also recognized and received $100-$500 awards. Congratulations to this year’s winners. Pictured, left to right, are Blair Isenhower of District 46 and Janet Bunch of District 27 (North Central), Veronica Boone of District 66 (East), Henry Belada of District 7 (West), Francine Anderson of District 40 (South Central) and Claire Miller of District 19 (Piedmont) (not pictured).
President’s Awards
State Membership Committee Chairwoman Sherry Helton, left, of District 6 and Preston Moore of District 66 received the President’s Award. Helton assisted the Member Action Department with many recruitment events across the state. Moore assisted the Member Action Team with two lobby days this year.
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Photo by Tony Booe
Photo by Tony Booe
SEANC convention • Sept. 10-12, 2009
After speaking to convention delegates, State Treasurer Janet Cowell takes a moment to speak with SEANC members and staff about the state’s pension fund.
Photo by Toni Davis
District 8 member Don McCracken and State Auditor Beth Wood greet each other on Sept. 10. Auditor Wood was able to join SEANC members during both the EMPAC Reception and the Saturday night banquet.
District 60 Communications Chairwoman Hiawatha Jones and Sen. Don Davis (D-Greene) grin for the camera on Sept. 10 during the EMPAC Legislative Dessert Reception.
SEANC District 27 members Janet Bunch, left, and Vanessa Gregory pose for a picture during a busy business session. Delegates were hard at work during the three-day convention where they elected new officers, participated in the American Red Cross service project and picked their top Policy Platform objectives among many other tasks.
Photo by Toni Davis
Photo by Erica Baldwin
District 10 member George El-Khouri welcomes Secretary of State Elaine Marshall to the EMPAC Legislative Dessert Reception on Sept. 10.
Photo by Toni Davis
Photo by Toni Davis
Gov. Bev Perdue, left, is escorted into the convention hall by Sergeant at Arms James Moore on Sept. 12. Gov. Perdue spoke to convention delegates about the state of the economy and its impact on state services. “There are rays of hope ahead for our economy,” she said.
From left to right, Sen. Doug Berger (D-Franklin), SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope, Rep. Nelson Dollar (R-Wake) and District 37 member Joseph Qubain share a laugh during the EMPAC Legislative Dessert Reception on Sept. 10.
Photo by Toni Davis
Photo by Toni Davis
District 44 member Vonna Viglione and SEIU President Andy Stern say hello at convention. President Stern spoke to SEANC delegates about the important projects SEANC has tackled lately, such as growing EMPAC and the Legislative Accountability Campaign. Real men eat fondue! District 5 member Johnny Burnette indulges in bananas and melted chocolate during EMPAC’s Legislative Dessert Reception. The reception allowed SEANC members to mingle with legislators and other state officials while enjoying delicious treats!
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Convention delegates applaud during Executive Director Dana Cope’s speech. Cope spoke about SEANC’s legislative efforts this year, including the Legislative Accountability Campaign, which held legislators accountable for their votes at the General Assembly.
Photo by Erica Baldwin
Photo by Mary Adelaide Bell
SEANC Membership Recruiters celebrate the 657 new members they recruited during the October 2008 Membership Blitz. The recruiters far supassed their goal of 500 new members.
Photo by Erica Baldwin
SEANC President Tony Smith, left, and Sen. Bob Atwater (D-Durham) take a moment to greet one another during the EMPAC Legislative Dessert Reception.
Photo by Erica Baldwin
Photo by Mary Adelaide Bell
SEANC convention • Sept. 10-12, 2009
District 4 member Evan Thompson sings during the SEANC’s Got Talent competition following the EMPAC reception. Thompson won the competition and received a $100 check.
District 21 member Sheila Walker uses an electronic voting machine at convention to vote for her preferred candidates.
District 11 members Anthony Hall, left, and Coy Deberry, right, pose with North Carolina Supreme Court Judge Bob Hunter, center, during the EMPAC Legislative Dessert Reception.
Photo by Erica Baldwin
Photo by Toni Davis
Seanc Convention By The Numbers:
Humorist Jeanne Robertson lightened convention delegates’ moods by telling stories about things you just can’t change.
1 dollar per month dues increase approved for active members
3 candidates ran for second vice president
4 council of state members attended
287 lives saved by community service blood drive
30,679 raffle tickets sold to benefit the SEANC Scholarship Foundation
10 columns
President’s Message
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by Tony Smith
SEANC Faces Another Year of Opportunities The following is an excerpt from President Smith’s remarks at the SEANC Annual Convention on Sept. 12.
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LENDER
It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve a second term as your president. This time last year, none of us had any idea the world would be facing one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression. But that is the hand we were dealt. This year’s legislative session was a challenge. Due to a huge shortfall in tax revenues, the state budget didn’t provide opportunities for improved pay and benefits. Instead, we found ourselves fighting to avoid furloughs, pay cuts and job cuts. My biggest disappointment was Senate Bill 287, which made costly changes to our State Health Plan. The fact that many EMPAC-endorsed candidates voted for SB287 was particularly troubling. I challenge EMPAC to remember that vote when they begin endorsement interviews next year. Despite these difficult times, our membership increased for the year. This was the result of hard work by our Member Action Coordinators and district members. We’ve gotten a lot of good ideas this year about how to conduct a successful membership blitz. I challenge every district to put these ideas to work and schedule a membership blitz for your district. Let’s start out the new SEANC year with a ROAR! This year, we also worked to develop a more accurate budgeting process. When I took over as president last year, our reserves had reached dangerously low levels. The budget approved by the Board of Governors made cuts necessary to keep our budget in balance and still move our association forward. With your passage of the additional $1 a month dues increase for active members, we will also be able to replenish some reserves. Your support of the increase is greatly appreciated. I will be appointing a special committee to do a thorough review of the SEANC Bylaws. I will ask them to look at our affiliation contract with SEIU and recommend changes that may be needed to move forward as SEIU Local 2008, while maintaining our autonomy as an association and maintaining SEANC as a member-led and driven association. The theme of this year’s convention was “Growth through Unity.” Like any family, the SEANC family is going to have differences of opinion. While it is crucial that we hear from all sides of an issue, we must come together once a decision is made to continue moving this great association forward. As long as I am president, every voice will be heard. EMPAC also continued to grow this past year with 1,000 more people giving to EMPAC through payroll or pension deduction. One of my first leadership positions in SEANC was as EMPAC Area 3 chairman, and I am a huge supporter. While you are out recruiting members, be sure they sign up as EMPAC contributors – and talk to your co-workers about contributing as well. My ticket is already punched for EMPAC’s Million Dollar Mission. I hope yours is, too. EMPAC is about more than collecting money. Next year, the Area EMPAC committees will be interviewing candidates in up to 170 legislative races and they will need your active involvement. Once the endorsements are made, they will need your help in providing people power to endorsed candidates. This is an opportunity for every SEANC member to get involved by working at the polls on Election Day or at early voting sites. This is how we really effect change. During my next term as president, I pledge to you that I will listen to your ideas and concerns and I promise I will continue to do everything in my power to help make SEANC better tomorrow than it is today. By working together, I know that we can do great things. tsmith@seanc.org
11 columns From the desk of the…
Executive Director by Dana Cope
SEANC Was Right
The following is an excerpt from Cope’s remarks at the SEANC Annual Convention on Sept. 10. If SEANC does one thing well, it’s that we tell the truth – whether it’s about our retirement system, our ex-governor’s wife getting a big pay raise or the need for change in our health care system. This year, SEANC focused on providing quality public services and stepping into our communities as leaders of change. This year, the chickens came home to roost with the state retirement system – after warning State Treasurer Richard Moore no employer match would equal no COLAs and a decline in funding. Once funded at 108 percent, it’s around 100 percent with the General Assembly paying $29 million this year to ensure that our retirees’ checks are paid. But it’s not just the employer match that made headlines this year. On June 17, after seven years, the N.C. Supreme Court agreed with the Court of Appeals: hands off our retirement funds. The court found that Easley’s diversion of $130 million of our retirement funds violated both the state and federal constitutions. That money has now been paid back, and it was paid back because SEANC members sued the state and won for all of us. When it came time to lead the change with the retirement system – SEANC members were right. Change has to start at the top, and what better place to start than with Mike and Mary Easley? When the University of North Carolina board voted to give Mary Easley an 88 percent pay raise, who stood up to say this isn’t right? It was SEANC. What we know now is well documented in the press: The Easleys used their influence and power to drive free cars, take lavish trips on the taxpayer dime and sit in a cushy state-funded job at our expense. When it came time to lead the charge of Easley’s abuse of power in the governor’s mansion – SEANC members were right. This year the Democratic-led state legislature kept the lid closed on the State Health Plan contract with Blue Cross, a so-called non-profit where the CEO makes $4 million per year and its top executives are millionaires. While these millionaires lined their pockets with taxpayer money, legislators voted to heap an extra $600 in out-of-pocket costs on state employees. And what did SEANC do? SEANC’s Board of Governors voted to hold legislators accountable by starting a media campaign in legislators’ hometowns for their health care vote, choosing big insurance over working families. And why did the SEANC Board of Governors vote to conduct this accountability campaign? Well state employees knew it happened, but what about everyone else? Specifically, the voters back in their hometowns. When it came time to hold legislators accountable for their actions – SEANC members were right. Now Blue Cross didn’t stop here on its profit crusade. The company went to work on the national level against the plan for health insurance reform. The answer on why this insurance company would do this is clear: Blue Cross doesn’t want any competition in North Carolina. They have all the State Health Plan business and 72.5 percent of the entire market in North Carolina. Blue Cross got the state legislature to pass a health care bill in which they had ZERO concessions with a no-bid contract and no defined expenses. When SEANC members voted “to support federal and state legislation to provide access to quality and affordable health care for all U.S. citizens” – SEANC members were right. So when co-workers ask you, “What has SEANC done for me lately?” you stand proud and tell them we stood up for you. When it came time to speak up on behalf of our retirement system, we did. When we saw a wrong with the Easleys, we went to the press and called it like we saw it. When Blue Cross kept their secret contract, we called legislators on it. And when they tried to take away your hard-earned paycheck, we fought back. dcope@seanc.org
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12 columns
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by Tom Harris SEANC Chief of Staff/General Counsel
RIF Rights – Now and in the Future It is an unfortunate reality that hundreds of state employees are losing their jobs this year due to reductions-in-force (RIFs). Not only should RIF’d employees fully understand and exercise their rights, but SEANC should seek to improve those rights. One right that needs improvement is the currently limited right to appeal a RIF dismissal. Current RIF Rights: The Office of State Personnel has done an admirable job of posting RIF rights on its Web site. Go to www.osp.state.nc.us and select “ReductionIn-Force Resources” to find not only explanations of RIF rights and benefits, but also resources for assistance with personal transition issues and job searches. Limited Appeal Rights: In the 1989 case of Eaker v. Department of Justice, the N.C. Court of Appeals held that a state employee could successfully challenge a RIF through administrative appeal and court review if the state agency had not followed its own RIF policy in selecting the employee for RIF. However, in UNC v. Feinstein decided in 2003, the court of appeals closed the door to administrative appeals and subsequent judicial review except in cases of alleged discrimination or violation of veterans’ preference rights. The court based that decision on a 1995 amendment to the State Personnel Act (SPA). As a result, RIF’d state employees were left without any avenue of administrative appeal and judicial review to enforce a legal right identified by the court in the Eaker case. Recent Court Challenge Rebuffed: Recently, SEANC District 44 member Jerry Jailall challenged the Feinstein court’s interpretation of the SPA through an administrative appeal after he was dismissed by the Department of Public Instruction as part of a RIF. The N.C. Court of Appeals, however, held that it was legally bound to follow the Feinstein decision and, just recently, the N.C. Supreme Court denied his petition for review. (SEANC supported Jailall with friend-of-the-court filings in both courts.) A Small Opening: While the court of appeals decision in the Jailall case did not overturn Feinstein, it did identify a small, but potentially significant opening for taking administrative appeals of RIF dismissals. The court stated that “an employee can still argue that the termination of his employment was not actually the result of a RIF, but rather was used to disguise a dismissal without cause,” and that claim would be the proper subject of an administrative appeal under the SPA. Moreover, the court suggested a showing by the employee that the state agency did not follow its own RIF policy could support a finding that the dismissal was a “sham” RIF used to disguise an otherwise illegal dismissal. Closed Door Opens A Window?: It is also possible that the Feinstein and Jailall decisions’ effect of closing the door to administrative appeals of most RIF dismissals will open a window for state employees to go directly to court to challenge RIFs rather than having to go through an administrative appeal first. Our state’s supreme court has recently reiterated that where no other legal remedy is available for a North Carolinian to enforce a legal right, it may be possible for affected persons to file a lawsuit seeking relief directly under the state Constitution. Since there may be no other way to enforce the legal right recognized in Eaker to be RIF’d only pursuant to the RIF’ing agency’s own RIF policy, RIF’d state employees should have the ability to enforce that right through a lawsuit filed directly under the constitution. Seek Advice of an Attorney: In light of the different possibilities for appeal or lawsuit when a RIF has occurred, RIF’d employees would be wise to consult an attorney, especially if suspicious circumstances exist. While SEANC does not have the ability to provide such legal services, we can help you find an attorney if you contact us. You can also consult an attorney for 30 minutes for $35 by calling the N.C. Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at 800-662-7660. Legislative Action Needed: The ultimate way to remedy the lack of RIF appeal rights is legislative action. SEANC has a policy platform objective to amend the SPA to include these rights. We will keep you informed of our efforts so you can seek the support of your legislators. tharris@seanc.org
13 member action
District 59 Member Receives State’s Highest Honor for N.C. Citizen
SEANC Member Wins Gold in Games
Photo contributed by tonya sampson
District 22 member Randy Smith won a gold medal at the World Police and Fire Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Aug. 5. Smith, an enforcement officer for the Wildlife Resources Commission, won the gold medal in the Masters A 110-kilogram bench press competition with a lift of 462 pounds.
District 59 Donates Money to Fight Cancer
Photo by Hiawatha Jones
District 59 member Carolyn Sutton, left, donates $500 on behalf of her district to Shelley Flores of Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society’s premier fundraiser. District 59 supports Relay for Life as a way to give back to the community.
Members Speak Up For Health Care Reform U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan visited Golds boro on Aug. 24 to discuss health care reform with Goldsboro residents and state employees. Pictured, left to right, are state Sen. Don Davis (D-Greene), Sen. Kay Hagan and Goldsboro City Councilman and District 60 member Michael Headen.
Photo by Johnetta White
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY RON STILL
Photo by Randy Smith
By Ron Still
A volunteer and Ron Still of District 47, right, sort through clothing at Basic Needs Ministry in Garner, which has helped thousands of families since its inception in 2003.
In 2003, SEANC District 47 began a community service project that would serve year round and make a meaningful difference in its community. The Basic Needs Ministry has garnered a lot of media attention lately, including an Aug. 26 feature on NBC 17 about the ministry offering 7,000 gift certificates for free clothing for Wake and Johnston County students in need. “The families that come in and receive support, they’re very grateful for it,” Amy McGinnis, a Polenta Elementary School guidance counselor, told NBC 17. In 2008, more than 300 volunteers gave 7,000 hours to the ministry. Basic Needs Ministry serves as a community clothing closet and provided more than 100,000 sets of clothing to those in need during 2008. In 2007, the organization added the Wake County Prescription Drug Discount Card (a joint project producing over $3 million in savings), the Cleveland Township Emergency Food Pantry (120,000 meals provided per year) and now the Cleveland Library (computer lab, free Wi-Fi, and more than 50,000 books on property). Additionally, Basic Needs is renovating a 40-foot container to serve as an on-site bookmobile to hold 6,000 to 12,000 books. Basic Needs Ministry welcomes cash donations to help pay rent for the facility ($1,750 a month), provide library cards for children ($15,000), cover construction costs for bookshelves ($5,000) and to fund computer equipment ($150). If you would like to donate or volunteer, please contact Basic Needs Ministry at 919-661-6565 or Ron@4042needs.org. The Basic Needs Ministry thrift store is located at 5533 N.C. Hwy. 42 West in Garner, and the Web site is www.4042needs.org Ron@4042needs.org
District 59 member John Miller, left, is presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by DHHS Secretary Lanier Cansler at Cherry Hospital on Aug. 12. Miller received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his 36 years of service to the state and 30 years of service to the community.
District 59 Stands Up For Community Support District 59 helped a family in need by delivering food. The district received a request for community support, and within 24 hours Shirley and Martell Wynn and Orie Henry Jr. were able to deliver items to this local family. Pictured is the Avery family with District 59 member Shirley Wynn, right.
Photo by Orie Henry Jr.
Basic Needs Ministry Provides in Tough Economy
A great 2-step plan to help you prepare for retirement 1. Enroll in an NC Supplemental Retirement Plan (the NC 401(k) Plan and/or the NC Deferred Compensation Plan). You can save tax-deferred money toward your retirement through pre-tax contributions and/or Roth after-tax contributions (if applicable). You can also take advantage of GoalMaker®, an optional asset allocation program available at no additional cost. 2. Contribute as much as you can. Don’t let market volatility discourage you. Saving and investing for retirement is a long-term commitment. Stopping or reducing your contributions could not only hurt your momentum, but you could miss a market rebound and/or reduce or eliminate a valuable tax benefit. Take action today! To enroll, increase your contributions, or learn more about the NC Supplemental Retirement Plans, call 1-866-NCPlans (1-866-627-5267), email NCPlans@prudential.com, or contact your Regional Retirement Education Manager today. Investing entails risk. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk. Amounts withdrawn before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty, applicable taxes and plan restrictions. Withdrawals are generally taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Keep in mind that application of asset allocation and diversification concepts does not ensure safety of investment. It is possible to lose money by investing in securities. Investment options are available under group variable annuity contracts issued by Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company (PRIAC), Hartford, CT, a Prudential Financial company. Securities products and services are offered through Prudential Investment Management Services LLC (PIMS), Three Gateway Center, 14th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102-4077. PIMS is a Prudential Financial company. Regional Retirement Education Managers are registered representatives of PIMS. Prudential Retirement is a registered service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ and its affiliates. Prudential Retirement is a Prudential Financial business.
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14 2009-2010 seanc board of governors Executive Committee President Tony Smith* A resident of Morganton and District 5 member, he is a Maintenance Supervisor IV for the Depart ment of Correction. This is his second term as president. He is a member of the SEIU International Executive Board. He has served as first vice president, second vice president and Area 3 EMPAC chairman. On the district level, he has served as chairman, vice chairman, and on the Fundraising, Policy Platform and Bylaws committees. Smith has more than 17 years of state service.
First Vice President Pat Reighard* A resident of Blowing Rock, he is a Professor Emeritus at Appalachian State University. He retired with 30 years of service and is active on the state and district levels. This is Reighard’s second term as first vice president. He has served as Western Region Representative to the Executive Committee, second vice president and District 3 chairman.
Second Vice President Charles T. Johnson* A resident of Raleigh, he is a Correctional Captain for the Department of Correction. With 17 years of state service and SEANC membership, he has served as District 45 chairman, vice chairman and North Central Regional Representative to the Executive Committee.
General Treasurer Cheryl Moon* A Knightdale resident and District 43 member, she is a retired Department of Motor Vehicles employee with 30 years of state service. A SEANC member for more than 30 years, she has served as District 43’s chairwoman, vice chairwoman and as the Insurance Board of Trustees chairwoman. This is Moon’s second term as treasurer.
Past President Linda Rouse Sutton* A Training Coordinator at the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and a resident of Kinston, she has 27 years of state service. In her 18 years as a SEANC member, she has served as past president, two terms as president, first vice president, second vice president, general treasurer, Insurance Board of Trustees chairwoman, Bylaws Committee chairwoman and is a past SEIU International Executive Board member. She is a District 70 member.
Piedmont Region Representative/ Dist rict 11, Sidney Sandy* Retired from the Deptartment of Transportation with 33 years of service and SEANC membership, Sandy is a resident of Indian Trail. He has served on the state level as first vice president, second vice president, treasurer and Western Region Representative. He has also served on numerous state committees such as the Scholarship Foundation Board, Personnel Benefits and as chairman of the Membership Committee. On the district level, he has served as chairman and vice chairman.
Retiree Council Chairman Bob Hopper Retired from the Department of Motor Vehicles with 30 years of service, Hopper has served his district as an officer at every level and on SEANC’s statewide Membership and Nomination committees. He has also served as state chairman of the Retiree Council. A Hickory resident and District 9 member, he has been a SEANC member for 48 years.
South Central Region Representative/ District 40, April Graham* A Sentencing Auditor for the Department of Correction and resident of Zebulon, Graham has been a state employee for 11 years and a SEANC member for eight. On the state level, she has served as Secretary to the President and on the Youth Council. For her district, Graham has served as vice chairwoman and Membership Committee chairwoman.
Western Region Representative/District 4, Jimmy Davis* A Correctional Sergeant for the Department of Correction, he has been a state employee for more than 20 years and a SEANC member for 20 years. Davis is a resident of Forest City and is serving his fourth term as district chairman. He has served as vice chairman, EMPAC Area 4 chairman and on the district Policy Platform Committee.
Eastern Region Representative/District 68, James Vaughan* A resident of Swan Quarter, Vaughan is an Assistant Superintendent of Programs for the Department of Correction. A 28-year state employee and SEANC member, he has served as district chairman, as well as chairman of his district’s Bylaws and Policy Platform committees.
North Central Region Representative/ District 47, Doranna Anderson* A 13-year state employee and SEANC member, Anderson is the Oral Health Education and Promotion branch head for the Department of Health and Human Services. A Raleigh resident, she served her district as vice chairwoman, secretary, treasurer and chairwoman of the Scholarship, Communication and Retiree committees. She is a member of EMPAC Area 10.
Insurance Board of Trustees Chairwoman Pamela Hailey* Retired from the Department of Correction with 33 years of state service, Hailey is a resident of Washington and a District 58 member. She has held many positions during her 20 years of SEANC membership including Insurance Board of Trustees, Personnel Benefits and Member Discount chairwoman.
Secretary to the President Betty Gautier* A Benson resident and Administrative Officer with the Department of Agriculture, she has been a state employee for 33 years and a SEANC member for 32 years. Gautier has previously served as Secretary to the President and District 38’s secretary and treasurer.
Parliamentarian Roy McGalliard A resident of Morganton and member of District 5, he is retired from Western Pied mont Community College with 25 years of state service. He has been a SEANC member for 37 years and has served as parliamentarian on both the state and district levels. He has also served as chairman of his district and on various state committees.
*Member Action Team member
District 1, Teddy L. Greene A Right of Way Agent for Division 14 at the Department of Transportation, Greene is a resident of Bryson City and has 34 years of state service. In his 34 years as a SEANC member, he has served on the Policy Platform and Bylaws committees.
District 2, Wayne Fish* A resident of Weaverville, he is a Food Service Manager with the Department of Correction. He has 11 years of state service and nine years of SEANC membership. He has served as Area 1 EMPAC chairman, vice chairman of both the statewide Youth Council and of his district. He was named the 2006-2007 Member of the Year. District 3, Bob Gibbard* An Academic Advisor at Appalachian State University and a resident of Boone, Gibbard has two years of state service and SEANC membership. He has served on his district’s Scholarship and Fundraising committees.
District 5, Melissa Freeman* A resident of Morganton, Freeman is an Administrative Assistant for Western Piedmont Community College. She has been a state employee for nine years and a SEANC member for three. In those three years, she has served on the statewide Youth Council, Policy Platform and Communications committees. District 6, Wayne Freeman* A Physician Assistant at Broughton Hospital and a Granite Falls resident, he is a 10-year state employee and a SEANC member for more than nine years. He is serving his fourth year as district chairman and has previously served as chairman of his district’s Aw a r d , M e m b e r s h i p a n d Communications committees. District 7, Scott McMahan A resident of Rutherfordton and a Social Worker for the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, McMahan has been a state employee for 13 years and a SEANC member for eight. He previously served as his district’s chairman, vice chairman, Membership Committee chair man and Insurance chairman. District 8, Brent Reeves* A Business Officer for the Department of Transportation and a resident of North Wilkesboro, Reeves has been a state employee and SEANC member for 34 years. He has served on the Insurance Committee.
District 9, Barbara Leatherman* A Transportation Technician IV for the Department of Transportation, she is a 22year state employee and SEANC member. A resident of Newton, she has previously served as her district’s chairwoman, secretary, treasurer and EMPAC Area 4 chairwoman.
District 10, Ken Beaver* A resident of Kannapolis, he is a Captain for the Department of Correction. He has 18 years of state service and 17 years of SEANC membership. Beaver has served as his district’s chairman, as well as chairman of his district’s Insurance and Membership committees.
District 12, Marilyn Martin* A resident of Salisbury, Martin is a Captain for Piedmont Correctional Institution and has more than 28 years of state service and SEANC membership. She has served as Piedmont Representative to the Executive Committee, district chairwoman, district vice chairwoman and as a member of the Collective Bargaining Committee.
15 2009-2010 seanc board of governors District 13, Sue Eldridge* A retired state employee with 12 years of service and a Charlotte resident, she has served as Membership chairwoman, sec retary and vice chairwoman on the district level.
District 25, Jonathan Stephenson* A Program Assistant at UNC-Chapel Hill, and Chapel Hill resident, he has been a state employee and SEANC member for four years. He has served on the Collective Bargaining, Membership and Planning committees, as well as vice chairman and Membership Committee chairman for his district.
District 44, Bruce Garner A 33-year state employee, he is a Deputy Secretary for the Department of the Secretary of State. With more than 30 years of SEANC membership, he has served as district chairman, vice chairman and treasurer. He is a resident of Raleigh.
District 63, Marion Drake* A resident of Windsor, Drake is an Administrative Sergeant for the Department of Correction. With eight years of state service and SEANC membership, Drake has served her district as vice chairwoman and Membership Committee chairwoman. On the state level, she has been a member of the Membership and MAT committees.
District 16, Steve Thompson* A Lewisville resident, he is an Information Processing Technician with the Department of Transportation. He has served his district as vice chairman, Policy Platform Committee chairman and on the EMPAC and Scholarship committees. He has been a state employee and SEANC member for 19 years.
District 26, Stacy Dowdy* A Butner resident, she is an Accounting Technician IV at the Department of Correction’s Polk Correctional Institution. She served her district as vice chairwoman, Fundraising chairwoman and as EMPAC Area 9 secretary. She has been a state employee and SEANC member for eight years.
District 45, John Williams With 10 years of state service and SEANC membership, Williams is a Correctional Sergeant for the Department of Correction. A resident of Apex, he has previously served as his district’s chairman.
District 64, Gene Mills* A retired state employee of 32 years, Mills is a 28-year SEANC member who resides in Greenville. She has served as district chairwoman and vice chairwoman. She is also a member of her district Policy Platform, EMPAC and Bylaws committees. Mills served as a Member Organizer for Health Care Reform.
District 17, Dan Efird An Asheboro resident and Sergeant for the Department of Correction, he has been a state employee and SEANC member for 19 years. He has served his district as vice chairman and chairman of EMPAC Area 5.
District 27, Gracie LeSane* A Durham resident, LeSane is an Endowment Accountant at North Carolina Central University. She has been a state employee for six years and a SEANC member for four. LeSane has served as district chairwoman, Scholarship chairwoman and on her district’s EMPAC.
District 46, Sharon Dobson An 11-year state employee and 10-year SEANC member, Dobson is a Tax Auditor for the Department of Revenue. A resident of Raleigh, she has served as Secretary of the Planning Committee and on the MAT and Member Discount committees. On the district level, she has served as chairwoman of the Member Discount, EMPAC and Policy Platform committees.
District 65, Del Kingsland* An 18-year state employee and SEANC member, Kingsland is a Steam Plant Supervisor at East Carolina University. He has previously served as his district’s chairman and vice chairman. He is a resident of Greenville.
District 18, Pamela J. Locklear* A returning chairwoman, she has been a state employee and SEANC member for 15 years. She is a Correctional Programs Supervisor for the Department of Correction and a resident of Red Springs. She served on the Collective Bargaining Committee and as EMPAC chairwoman.
District 36, Bruce Dixon* A Wake Forest resident, he is a Nursing Educator at the Department of Health and Human Services Dorothea Dix Hospital. He has been a state employee for 22 years and SEANC member for 16. On the state level, he has served on the Awards, Member Discount, Membership and Insurance committees.
District 56, Michael Johnson* With 21 years of state service and 20 years as a SEANC member, Johnson is a Program Director for the Criminal Justice Partnership Program. A Kelford resident, he has served SEANC as a member of the Policy Platform Committee.
District 66, Mike Kollock* A resident of Kinston, Kollock is a 16-year state employee and SEANC member. He is a Food Service Manager with the Department of Health and Human Services at the Caswell Center. Kollock is a returning district chairman who has also served as his district’s vice chairman and EMPAC chairman and on the state Communications Committee.
District 19, Marie Tate* An Office Assistant for the Orange County Board of Education, she is a 30-year state employee and 25-year SEANC member. A resident of Efland, she has served as her district’s first and second vice chairwoman, as well as chairwoman of the Awards, Hospitality, Scholarship and Nominations committees.
District 37, George Kapetanakis* A Litter Programs Coordinator for the Department of Transportation, he is a six-year state employee and SEANC member. He has served his district as chairman, vice chairman, treasurer and secretary.
District 57, Darius McLaurin* A Knightdale resident and an Administrative Officer for the Department of Correction at the Nash Correctional Institute, McLaurin has 16 years of state service. During his three years of SEANC membership, he has served on district-level EMPAC, Scholarship and Membership Recruitment committees.
District 67, Bill Boyle* A 20-year state employee and SEANC member, Boyle is a Correctional Training Instructor II with the Department of Correction. A resident of Trent Woods, Boyle has served as his district’s chairman, EMPAC chairman, and as EMPAC Area 13 chairman. He has also served as the Eastern Region Alternate Representative.
District 20, Cliff Brown* As a retired Department of Correction employee and a resident of Aberdeen, Brown has more than 21 years of state experience. He served two terms as president, first vice president, second vice president, Collective Bargaining Committee chairman, Membership Committee chairman, Bylaws chairman and as a member of several other committees.
District 38, C.J. Stephens* A First Sergeant-Executive Assistant to the Colonel for the State Highway Patrol and resident of Raleigh, Stephens has been employed with the state for 21 years and a member of SEANC for 17 years. During his membership he has served as district auditor, vice chairman and on the state Collective Bargaining Committee.
District 58, Eddie Brogden* A 24-year state employee, Brogden is a Facility Maintenance Supervisor IV at the Department of Correction and a Pikeville resident. During his 19 years of SEANC membership, he has served as chairman of his district, as well as his district’s E M PA C , F u n d r a is in g a n d Member Discount committees.
District 69, Sheila Perry* A 20-year state employee, Perry is a Foundation Accountant for Elizabeth City State University. During more than 10 years of SEANC membership, she has served as chairwoman of her district and of her district’s Bylaws and Insurance committees.
District 21, Joel Valentine A resident of Manson and a Maintenance Mechanic II for the Division of Parks and Recreation, Valentine has been a state employee and a SEANC member for nine years. During these years he has served as his district’s chairman and Policy Platform Committee chairman.
District 39, Art Anthony* A state employee for 21 years and a SEANC member for 15, Anthony is a Research Specialist for North Carolina State University and a Raleigh resident. He has served as South Central Region Representative, State wide Policy Platform Committee chairman, Area 10 EMPAC member and state-level General Treasurer.
District 59, John Miller* A Housekeeping Administrator II for the Department of Health and Human Services at Cherry Hospital, he has been with the state for 36 years and SEANC for 34 years. He has served his district as vice chairman and treasurer. On the state level he served as Eastern Region Representative. He is from LaGrange.
District 70, Arvis Sutton* An 18-year state employee and SEANC member, Sutton is a Cottage Parent Supervisor at Dobbs Youth Development Center. She has formerly served as district chairwoman and chairwoman of her district’s EMPAC, as well as chairwoman of EMPAC Area 14.
District 22, Michele Shaw* A Lillington resident and Correctional Officer for the Department of Correction, she has been a state employee and SEANC member for five years. She has previously served as the vice chairwoman for her district.
District 41, Frank Brown A resident of Raleigh, Brown is retired from the Department of Correction with 28 years of state service and SEANC membership. In the past, he has held the position of District 41’s Fundraising Committee chairman.
District 60, Carolyn Davis* A resident of Goldsboro, Davis has 32 years of service and SEANC membership. A School Administrator III at the Department of Health and Human Services, she has served as district chairwoman, at the state level as Eastern Region Representative, and on the Scholarship, Planning and Affiliation committees.
District 71, Stuart Glover* Retired from the U.S. military, Glover is a six-year state employee and SEANC member. H e i s a Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n Technician with the Department of Transportation and a Wilson resident.
District 23, Jeremy Register* A resident of Whiteville, Register is a Transportation Supervisor I for the Department of Transportation. He has been a state employee and SEANC member for 13 years. He has served as his district’s chairman, vice chairman and as chairman of the Bylaws and Membership committees.
District 42, B.J. Jones A resident of Raleigh and a Financial Analyst for the Department of Health and Human Services, she has 25 years of state service. During her 18 years as a SEANC member, she has been chairwoman of her district’s Community Service, Nominations and Historian committees.
District 61, Ricky Rivenbark* A 30-year SEANC member and state employee, Rivenbark is a resident of Willard who works for the Department of Correction. He has served as his district’s chairman, vice chairman and on the Membership and Member Discount committees.
District 24, Terry Baker* Retired from state government with 13 years of service, Baker is a resident of Elizabethtown. During his 13 years of SEANC membership, he has served as chairman of all his district’s committees, as well as district chairman and treasurer.
District 43, Brenda Johnson* With 21 years of state service, Johnson is an Inspection Specialist for the Department of Motor Vehicles. A resident of Knightdale, she has been a SEANC member for 19 years and has served as district chairwoman, vice chairwoman and Audit chairwoman. She has also served on the Bylaws and Policy Platform committees.
District 62, Robert Barnhill A retired 20-year state employee, Barnhill is a resident of Burgaw and has been a SEANC member for 16 years. He has served as South Central Region Representative and Alternate Representative to the Executive Committee, and as his district’s chairman, vice chairman and EMPAC chairman. Barnhill was also on the state Training Committee.
Compiled by Jessica Adams, Communications Intern
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